A Web site claims to be that of SA's fixed-line operator Telkom, and even displays the company's logo.
The site is not registered in SA, but details on it indicate the contact person is based in Port Elizabeth. The site has a hotmail contact address and an adpost.com e-mail address.
It calls itself Telkom Media Plaza, and a link at the top of the page gives its company registration number as 1991/005476/06, with a link to confirm these details. However, when ITWeb searched the Cipro database, it found this is the genuine Telkom's registration number.
When called, the person at the end of the cellphone number, which is provided on the site, answered as David and said “we are not using it any more” before disconnecting the call.
Text on the site says: “Telkom is Africa's largest integrated communications company, providing integrated communications solutions to an entire range of customers. Telkom's passion is to become world-class. In this section you will find detailed company information, investment opportunities and an insight into Telkom's community upliftment programmes.”
This text has been lifted straight from Telkom's genuine Web site.
Not us
However, the genuine Telkom has distanced itself from these claims. “The Web site is not a legitimate Telkom Web site and the use of the Telkom logo has not been permitted by the company,” says Ajith Bridgraj, Telkom's senior specialist for media relations.
He adds that Telkom's Asset and Revenue Protection Services is investigating the matter. Bridgraj urges customers “to maintain vigilance at all times when dealing with service offerings of any nature. The onus rests with customers to determine the legitimacy of the entities through whom they may undertake to conduct their business.”
The dubious Web site also claims to be able to supply brands such as Nokia, Apple iPhone, Motorola, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Siemens, Panasonic, Dell, Sony, HP, IBM laptop computers and all brands of plasma televisions.
The company claims to have relationships with clients in Australia, Canada, America, the UK, Poland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, Belgium, Russia, Singapore, the Middle East and Africa.
A note at the bottom of the site claims it is copyrighted by Telkom.
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